Double murder defendant’s competency questioned

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A Cabell County judge may decide to send a man to a state mental hospital for treatment.

Circuit Judge Paul Farrell received a report Friday from Rodney Black’s attorney that said Black was incompetent.

Black, 62, of Barboursville is charged with shooting and killing his new neighbor Garrick Hopkins, 60, and Hopkins’ brother, Carl Hopkins, Jr., 61, of Oak Hill back in January. The two men were taking a look at Garrick Hopkins’ new property when shots came from the window of Black’s home.

Black’s attorney is asking his client be sent to Sharpe Hospital in Weston for treatment. Judge Farrell has given prosecutors until Tuesday to respond.